What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Paracetamol | Ibuprofeno | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache the common cold backache minor pain of arthritis toothache muscular aches premenstrual and menstrual cramps temporarily reduces fever | temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps the common cold muscular aches minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever |
| Usual adult dose | Adults and children 12 years and over take 2 gelcaps every 6 hours while symptoms last. | Adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist if pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used. |
| Children | Children under 12 years: ask a doctor. | Children under 12 years: ask a doctor. |
| Prescription (U.S.) | No (over the counter) | No (over the counter) |
| Common side effects | new symptoms occur pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days redness or swelling is present These could be signs of a serious condition. | you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint have bloody or black stools vomit blood have stomach pain that does not get better you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain slurred speech… |
| Pregnancy | If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. | If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor b… |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
Check them togetherParacetamol is a medicine and Ibuprofen is a medicine. Paracetamol is used for: temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache the common cold backache minor pain of arthritis toothache muscular aches premenstrual and menstrual cramps temporarily reduces fever Ibuprofen is used for: temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps the common cold muscular aches minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.